On the 28th of September in the year 2023, The Rt Hon. Lord Willetts, who serves as the Chairman of the Board for the UK Space Agency and was previously the Minister of State for Universities and Science, arrived to officially inaugurate the newly constructed Engineering Centre. Although the centre has been operational since May, there have been numerous final touches and diligent contractors working on the building during the past few months. It was an immense privilege to have Lord Willetts, along with the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Mark E. Smith, and other distinguished guests (including our partners in funding, Research England and the EM3 LEP), join us in celebrating this momentous occasion by enjoying refreshments and food within the Future Towns Innovation Hub itself.
Lord Willetts said, “It is a great pleasure to be here today, my first public engagement since being made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering earlier this month. This prestigious new facility which shines a light on the engineering talent that we have here on the south coast and provides a platform from which the sector can build and flourish. Judging by the people and companies that I’ve met here today, there’s no doubt that Southampton Science Park’s growing reputation, exemplified by projects like these, is making a meaningful contribution to the sustainable growth and prosperity of our region. I am delighted to be declaring it officially open.”